The UBCM Executive held its spring quarterly committee and board meetings in Victoria from April 18-21 in conjunction with 2023 Advocacy Days. In addition to regular business, Executive members had an opportunity to share our Advocacy Priorities with the Honourable Anne Kang, Minister of Municipal Affairs, Premier Eby, and MLAs.
Highlights of the April 21 Executive meeting include:
- President Ford reported on her activities since the February Executive meeting, highlighting her attendance at LGLA’s Elected Officials Seminars, FCM mission to Cambodia, and UBCM’s Housing Summit.
- A report on new provincial legislation, regulations, and orders in council from the last legislative session that affect or are of interest to local governments.
- A status and action report on the various policy areas that UBCM continues to monitor.
- An update about work on the 2021 UBCM Finance Report, specifically a briefing to the Minister of Municipal Affairs, Minister of Finance, and Presidents Committee that was held in March where the 2023 work plan was confirmed.
- An update on the Police Act review and public safety modernization, including the work of the Local Government Policing Modernization Roundtable.
- A report on the RCMP collective agreement, including the payment of retroactive costs by BC local governments policed by the RCMP.
- A report on the UBCM’s Housing Summit and an update on provincial housing policy, highlighting areas where it aligns with UBCM policy, and areas requiring significant engagement.
- Reviewed and provided direction on a draft Code of Conduct for UBCM Executive.
- A report on UBCM’s participation in the FCM Partnerships for Municipal Innovation – Women in Leadership Program, including a review of the trip to Cambodia that was part of FCM’s working relationship with the National League of Councils.
- Two reports from the Presidents Committee noting actions taken on the following matters in between Executive meetings:
- Direction on Advocacy Days priorities: addressing the housing affordability crisis; strengthening emergency management; and supporting local economies in transition.
- Appointed Councillor Carey Collin, Radium Hot Springs as UBCM’s representative to the Inland Boater Safety Project Committee.
- Appointed Mayor Barb Desjardins, Township of Esquimalt and Mayor Patrick Johnstone, City of New Westminster to the Local Government Policing Modernization Roundtable.
- Received the financial report for the period ending March 31, 2023
- Received reports on Victoria Operations including the status of the Canada Community Building Fund as well as various Local Government Program Services. Staff noted that UBCM is currently engaging the membership on renewal of the CCBF program through presentations at Area Association conferences, online surveys, and other targeted engagement opportunities with members.
- A report on staff activities since the last meeting in February.
- A report on the 2023 Spring Conferences that were either hosted or supported by UBCM.
Highlights of the April 19-20 Committee meetings include:
Presidents Committee
The Presidents Committee received updates on staffing; UBCM governance documents review; member services and group benefits program; UBCM investments; and March 31 financial statements. Members discussed the plan for the 2023 Advocacy Days; provided direction on UBCM appointments to the Minister’s Advisory Committee on Poverty Reduction and the Mass Timber Advisory Council. An update was provided on the activities related to the MOU with the Province on the 2021 Local Government Finance Report and work underway around local elected officials being given eligibility for the Municipal Pension Plan. Members also discussed options that UBCM could provide for both formal or informal networking and mentoring support for women in elected office, or considering running for elected office. Members discussed possible elements that could advance the initiative, including a session at the 2023 UBCM Convention.
Community Economic Development Committee
The Community Economic Development Committee was advised that a new UBCM appointment would be made to the Province’s Mass Timber Advisory Council, and received an overview of a local government webinar hosted by UBCM on work underway by the Province and First Nations, to implement the 14 recommendations identified in the Old Growth Strategic Review. The Committee received information about joint federal and provincial work via Regional Energy and Resource Tables towards transitioning to a low-carbon economy. The Committee also received updates on aquaculture and internet connectivity—in particular, a CRTC review of its Broadband Fund program.
Community Safety Committee
The Community Safety Committee received a delegation from the Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness regarding new emergency management legislation. The Committee was also advised that the Province will not be tabling new emergency management legislation until at least fall 2023. Reports received by the Committee pertained to relevant policing issues including: the implementation of body worn cameras, the Surrey Policing Transition, management of repeat offenders, the federal assessment of RCMP contract policing, the Mass Casualty Commission’s final report, provincial budget commitments towards public safety, amendments to the Civil Forfeiture Act, cannabis policy, liquor policy, and provincial funding for Next Generation 911 implementation costs.
Health and Social Development Committee
The Health and Social Development Committee received three delegations. The first was Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions staff who discussed decriminalization and overdose prevention sites; the second was the Ministry of Health, Vancouver Coastal Health and Island Health on the health impacts of climate change; and the final was from Local Leaders for Mental Health. Reports were received on child care, the provincial homelessness plan, the homelessness session at the UBCM Housing Summit, and the Poverty Reduction Advisory Committee.
Environment Committee
The Environment Committee received two delegations. The first addressed the Watershed Security Strategy, and included information about the strategy, fund, and intentions paper. The second delegation was held jointly with the Health and Social Development Committee on the health impacts of climate change.
Indigenous Relations Committee
The Indigenous Relations Committee received a delegation from the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General regarding Provincial work towards addressing the Calls for Justice from the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. The Committee also received updates on Federal and Provincial policy, and recent changes to the Community to Community Forum Program.
Convention Committee
The Convention Committee approved the draft long program for the 2023 Convention in Vancouver. They also received reports and provided direction on the Convention theme, entertainment, speaker gifts, and the partner program. A report outlining the process for the session proposals was also received for information. The committee provided direction on the Childminding program for Convention, which will be offered to UBCM members for $30 per day per child. This will open for registration at the same time as Convention registration in July. Reports on catering, and accommodations were also received.